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From Tuscany to Sicily: 8 of the best ski resorts in central and southern Italy

Though they may be Italy’s most prestigious winter sports region, the Alps aren't the only place where you can put your skis on in the country as you'll find resorts as far south as Sicily.

Published: 21 December 2023 15:35 CET
Skiing in Italy
Two people in a gondola at a ski resort (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI / AFP)

With nearly 6,000 kilometres of slopes and a variety of breathtaking winter landscapes, Italy is one of the most sought-after ski holiday destinations in Europe.

But while the Alps mountain range in the north of the country is by and large the most popular ski area, you may find it surprising that there are plenty of other ski resorts scattered around the boot as you can get a chance to hit the slopes in all but three Italian regions (Puglia, Sardinia, Umbria). 

And, outside of the fact that the ski season is usually shorter (it starts later and ends sooner) and is far more dependent on local weather conditions than in the Alps, many resorts in central and southern Italy have little to envy to their northern counterparts, with affordable ski pass and accommodation prices further increasing their appeal. 

Monte Cimone (Emilia Romagna) – Perched atop the highest peak of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, around a two-hour drive away from Bologna, the Monte Cimone ski area boasts some 50 kilometres of slopes, with most pistes geared towards intermediate and advanced skiers. 

The resort however also has options for kids (there are two baby snow parks and a 700-metre bobsled piste) and non-skiers, with notable local attractions including the Montecreto Fortress and the Sestola Castle.

Abetone (Tuscany) – Located about a one-and-a-half-hour drive away from Florence, this ski resort is known to enjoy good snow in the colder months despite its relatively low altitude (1,388 metres) and has more than enough to satisfy the needs of both beginners and intermediates.  

Abetone is also one of Italy’s best options if you’re on a budget. Here, the price of a daily high-season ski pass is 49.50 euros – that’s over 25 euros less than in Cortina (76 euros) – while accommodation in the area comes at an average of around 60 euros a day per person.

READ ALSO: How much more expensive will your ski trip in Italy be this winter?

Terminillo (Lazio) – If you’re planning on spending some time on the slopes this winter but are not so keen on the idea of travelling too far away from Rome, the Terminillo ski resort may be just what you’re looking for. 

Located some 100 kilometres (around one hour and 45 minutes by car) north-east of the capital, the resort pairs around 30 kilometres of pistes (10 for alpine skiing and 20 for cross-country) with picturesque views of the Rieti countryside. 

Terminillo is also a quick half-hour drive away from Campo Stella, another popular ski area in the Rieti province which boasts one of the longest runs in the Apennines (pista Rubbio). 

Roccaraso (Abruzzo) – With over 160 kilometres of slopes and some 30 kilometres of cross-country pistes, Abruzzo’s Roccaraso is the largest ski area in central Italy and one of the most popular winter holiday destinations in the whole country.

Located about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from both Rome and Naples, the resort also offers a number of scenic snowshoe trails and snowkite courses.

Ovindoli-Magnola (Abruzzo) – Lying at the heart of Abruzzo’s Sirente-Velino natural park, the Ovindoli-Magnola resort may be less popular than the nearby Roccaraso area but still has plenty to offer as its 21 runs meet the needs of all types of skiers, from those that are just starting out to experts.

Ovindoli is also ideal for non-skiers as the surrounding area is dotted with Roman ruins and mediaeval constructions that are well worth checking out. 

READ ALSO: From experts-only to family-friendly: 12 of the best Italian ski resorts

Campitello Matese (Molise) – Campitello Maltese is a fairly small resort (13 runs for a total of around 40 kilometres of slopes) located just a few kilometres away from Molise’s border with Campania. 

But what the resort lacks in size, it largely makes up for in picturesque views as skiers can catch glimpses of the Thyrrenian sea and Naples’ mount Vesuvius on clear days. 

Campitello also offers a number of off-piste itineraries and freestyle runs.

Palumbosila (Calabria) – Located on Calabria’s famous Sila plateau, Palumbosila is arguably the best-equipped ski resort in the region as it includes 10 runs (mostly geared towards beginners and intermediates) and two modern chairlift facilities. 

The area also features a bobsled piste, an ice rink and a number of snowmobile tracks.

Etna (Sicily) – However hard to believe it may be, even Sicily, one of Italy’s most popular summer holiday destinations thanks to its immaculate beaches and crystal-clear waters, will give you a chance to put your skis on at the height of the winter season. 

Mount Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano – is home to two ski areas (Piano Provenzana and Nicolosi), which offer a total of 10 alpine skiing runs and two cross-country pistes. 

Both resorts are a short distance away from Catania, but can be reached in under two hours by car from both Messina and Syracuse. 

Piano Provenzana and Nicolosi are not the only resorts in the region as another small ski area (Piano Battaglia) can be found on the Madonie mountain range, east of Palermo. 

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ROME

The best things to do in Rome in May 2024

Whether you're a Rome resident or just passing through, the Eternal City has plenty to offer throughout the month of May.

Published: 30 April 2024 15:45 CEST
The best things to do in Rome in May 2024

Circo Massimo Concertone – May 1st

Rome’s traditional Labour Day Concertone (‘big concert’) this year moves from its usual location in San Giovanni to Circo Massimo. Noemi and Ermal Meta are hosting the 2024 edition; entry is free.

Conca d’Oro street food festival – May 1st-5th

Ushering in the start of May, the Conca d’Oro neighbourhood is playing host to a five-day-long street food fair. 25 chefs will be present in the parking lot where this year’s festival is taking place.

Charity Cafe Jazz and Blues concerts – May 1st-4th

This intimate jazz cafe in the Monti district is hosting nightly Jazz and Blues concerts from 10pm from May 1st-4th. As of April 30th, the venue’s events calendar hasn’t been updated for May, but there’s typically something every Tuesday-Saturday.

READ ALSO: Everything that changes in Italy in May 2024

Photography exhibits – Various dates

At the Museum of Rome in Trastevere you can catch a series of photography exhibitions in May. A retrospective of the works of German street photographer Hilde Lotz-Bauer closes on May 5th; 100 works by the Spanish artist and photographer Ouka Leele will remain on display throughout the month; and a retrospective of Cameroonian photographer Angèle Etoundi Essamba will open on May 17th.

Free museum Sundays – May 5th

As usual, Rome will be opens most of its museums and cultural sites to the public for free on the first Sunday of the month. That includes the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, Galleria Borghese, Castel Sant’Angelo, and many more (full list here).

Rome’s Borghese Gallery is one of the sites open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP.

Incanti illusionist show – May 2nd-5th

Following a stop in Grosseto, the Incanti (‘enchantments’) show of illusions comes to Rome’s Teatro Olimpico for four days before moving on to Florence.

Swan Lake orchestral concert – May 2nd-4th

The Santa Cecilia National Academy orchestra is putting on a performance of Prokofiev’s second piano concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake suite at Rome’s Auditorium Parco della Musica from May 2nd-4th.

READ ALSO: Nine of the best events to attend in Italy in spring 2024

Baby Sound – May 4th-5th

Also in conjunction with performers from the Santa Cecilia National Academy, Baby Sound, a musical workshop for young children aged 0-2, will take place at Auditorium Parco della Musica from May 4th-5th.

Internazionali d’Italia tournament – May 6th-19th

The 2024 edition of the Internazionali d’Italia – Italy’s most prestigious tennis tournament – will unfold at Rome’s Foro Italico sports venue from Monday, May 6th to Sunday, May 19th, with Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner set to take part in the contest.

World Press Photo Exhibition – May 9th onwards

The 2024 World Press Photo Exhibition opens at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni on May 9th and is set to run for one month until June 9th.

Arrosticini festival – May 9th-12th

The ex-Mattatoio events and exhibition space in Testaccio is preparing to serve up lamb/mutton arrosticini skewers and other traditional Abruzzese fare over the course of four days from May 9th-12th.

READ ALSO: Eight unmistakable signs that spring has arrived in Italy

Fava bean and pecorino fair – May 12th

Fava beans and pecorino cheese, a traditional Roman combo, are on the menu in the town of Filacciano, an hour’s journey outside the city, on this May 12th food festival.

Joel Nafuma Refugee Centre fundraising dinner – May 24th

After a long hiatus, Rome’s Joel Nafuma Refugee Centre is starting up its fundraising dinners again on May 24th. This one features Syrian and Palestinian food supplied by Hummustown, and costs €30 (discounted rate €20).

ARF! comics fair – May 24th-26th

Another event taking place at the ex-Mattatoio in Testaccio in May is the ARF! comics festival, three days of exhibitions, talks, and workshops, including a kids’ corner.

It’s set to coincide with the Street Sud Festival featuring southern Italian street food, which is also scheduled to take place at the Mattatioio from May 23rd-26th.

Japan Days – May 25th-26th

Prati’s bus depot plays host to this Japanese market, where you can expect to find 100 exhibitors selling items from kimonos to kokeshi dolls, along with talks and presentations bonsai workshops and an abundance of Japanese food.

Recurring events

Campagna Amica sells locally grown fresh produce every Saturday and Sunday on Via di San Teodoro 74.

The Porta Portese flea market, which takes place every Sunday, is one of the largest (and busiest) the city has to offer.

Performances Verdi’s La Traviata, The Three Tenors, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Bach’s masterpieces continue to be held on various dates at St Pauls Within the Walls throughout the month of May.

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